Carlos Tavares, the motor industry executive forced out of Renault after saying that he wanted to become General Motors’ next boss, is set to be named as head of Peugeot Citroën.

Mr Tavares, 55, is expected take over as chief executive of the ailing French carmaker next year after failing to obtain his dream job in the United States. Initially he will initially work alongside Philippe Varin, 61, Peugeot’s present chief executive, who is standing down.

A source close to the board denied reports that Mr Tavares had been imposed by Dongfeng Motor Corporation, the Chinese group that is in